Strategic Engagement Lead - GCC - SLS

Overview

As a Sales Executive, Global Capability Centers (GCC), you will play a pivotal role in expanding Cognizant's footprint in the GCC ecosystem by driving consultative engagements with global clients and enterprises establishing or optimizing their capability centers.

This is not a traditional tech sales role : it is a strategic, consultative front-end position that blends business development, operating model design, and transformation advisory. You'll partner with CXOs, transformation leaders, and ecosystem partners to design GCC strategies that integrate technology, operations, talent, and governance, enabling clients to achieve cost efficiency, resilience, and innovation at scale.

Location : Based anywhere in the United States

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Client Engagement & Business Growth

Lead end-to-end GCC business development from opportunity identification to deal closure anchored in client transformation priorities.

Build and sustain trusted CXO and senior stakeholder relationships, act as an advisor on global operating model design and transformation strategy.

Shape and execute the GCC GTM strategy, aligning Cognizant's capabilities with client business and geographic goals.

Drive co-creation sessions and workshops to help clients define their GCC roadmap covering setup, scaling, transformation, and maturity.

Solution Design & Operating Model Advisory

Partner with solutioning, delivery, and consulting teams to design integrated GCC models spanning Tech, Ops, Digital, and Shared Services.

Develop Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT / BOTT) and hybrid models tailored to client needs, ensuring scalability, compliance, and business alignment.

Translate transformation goals into implementable constructs governance frameworks, talent models, automation levers, and KPI metrics.

Bring a "consult to construct" mindset linking strategic ambition with actionable delivery pathways.

Market Development & Ecosystem Positioning

Monitor and interpret GCC market trends, competitor strategies, and regulatory shifts to proactively shape opportunities.

Represent Cognizant in key industry forums, roundtables, and leadership discussions in the GCC ecosystem.

Cultivate partnerships with state agencies, consultants, and industry bodies to expand Cognizant's ecosystem reach.

Deal Shaping & Commercial Structuring

Lead pursuit and deal teams to shape complex, multi-tower GCC deals defining commercial models and transformation outcomes.

Collaborate across functions to articulate the value of Cognizant's integrated tech + ops + transformation capabilities.

Ensure governance, rigor and transparency across all stages of pursuit and execution.

Experience & Competencies

Required Background :

15+ years of experience in business development, transformation advisory, or solutioning within IT services, consulting, or GCC environments.

Proven record in driving strategic GCC or BPO transformation deals with CXO-level stakeholders.

Strong understanding of GCC operating models, maturity journeys, and ecosystem dynamics.

Experience designing or managing BOT / BOTT and hybrid models.

Familiarity with cross-functional solutioning (Tech, Ops, Digital, Talent, Analytics).

P&L or large-deal management experience preferred.

Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred.

Core Competencies :

Consultative Selling : Ability to engage clients in business model and operating model transformation.

Strategic Orientation : Skilled at linking client enterprise strategy with GCC design.

Executive Presence : Strong communication, storytelling, and influencing skills at the CXO level.

Collaboration : Effective cross-functional leadership across delivery, consulting, and partner teams.

Market Acumen : Deep understanding of global sourcing, talent, and digital transformation trends.

Why Join Cognizant

Lead Cognizant's fastest-growing GTM priority helping global clients build next-generation capability centers.

Work with visionary leaders and global clients across industries.

Competitive compensation and benefits, including incentives and recognition programs.

Culture that rewards initiative, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking.

Work Authorization

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

Cognizant Culture Fit

We seek professionals who thrive in consultative, fast-evolving environments and enjoy shaping transformation journeys for global enterprises. Our culture is open, visible, empowered, and collaborative anchored in shared success and impact.

Salary and Other Compensation :

Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2025.

The annual salary for this position is between $220,000 - $235,000 depending on the experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program and stock awards, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Benefits : Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements :

Medical / Dental / Vision / Life Insurance

Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

401(k) plan and contributions

Long-term / Short-term Disability

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer : The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.